How to convert versachassis 1x1 tubing into inventor frame

[dirtbikerxz]

How to convert versachassis 1x1 tubing into inventor frame using frame generator? So i downloaded a versa chassis 1x1 tubing from here, http://www.vexrobotics.com/versachassis.html. We are hoping that it is possible to a rectangular tubing in the content center, so that we can draw a robot wire frame, then just use frame generator to add in the tubing... here is where i am http://prntscr.com/8gqhpr.. How do i do the rest? What do I put as the base Length?

[tim-tim]

I haven't used Inventor since 2012 for my senior design project, but we did use the frame generator quite a bit; albeit round tubing. We had to create custom profiles as well, but rather than try to explain it, here is a quick video: https://screencast.autodesk.com/Main...d-6368c49ecf18

I'm 99% positive the error you are running into is the fact the file is imported as a STEP (or dumb solid) file. In order for the frame generator to work, you have to define variables for Inventor to adjust. I think the video kind of shows this, but in the greatest detail; however it should be enough to get you started. Once you recreate the extrusion as a native Inventor part, you should be able to define the parameters to change. The tricky part will be getting the hole pattern to populate, as I have never attempted to something of this nature.

Hope this helps and let us know how it goes. I'm sure other teams could value from this resource.

EDIT Here is the link to the video that we used to as a reference to create our profiles, it is a little lengthy, but way more detailed than the link above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOwR89pA_e8

After giving a little thought to the hole pattern, I'm fairly positive it cannot be added to this new profile you are going to create. I would recommend placing one hole on each of the desired faces and pattern the hole down the length of the tube.
/EDIT

[dirtbikerxz]

thankyou. I'm fairly new to cad. So I'm learning a lot still. I'll ask you questions as I go.

[dirtbikerxz]

oh one more quesetion, instead of using frame generator, is it possible to use the make the model with wireframe (the way you would do for frame generator), but then replace each required wire with that part? just like drag and drop or something?

[tim-tim]

There are several ways to do accomplish the same task as the frame generator, one of the many useful design accelerators built within Inventor. You can definitely make a wire frame 3D/2D sketch, set of planes, axes, etc... The thing you will learn about CAD is there is almost always more than one way to complete a task, it is finding the most efficient method that becomes the challenge.

If I were tackling this problem, depending on what I was trying to accomplish (design intent), I would likely create multiple configurations (SolidWorks term), Inventor calls it iParts, of the rail and assemble using planes and other rails. This allows the assembly to be somewhat dynamic and easy to adjust. I think if I was doing a lot of weird (non-orthogonal) angles and planes I would stick to the frame generator, it makes trimming cleaning up the ends/corners of the members much easier. Again, I would try multiple ways and figure out how everything works, and then know what method to use as you tackle a problem.

Note, I have not used the iParts, iAssembly, or iLogic part of Inventor so I don't know much about it. However, I am a huge fan of SolidWorks' configurations (our team uses SolidWorks and the video posted above) and PTC Creo's family tables (the software I use at work) all the time. These really save a good amount of time on common parts (lengths of rail members, hole location relative to end of rail, etc.). I found this video of iParts and thought it was pretty informative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNLCPaOqjaA. You can also look up videos and applications of SolidWorks configurations for more ideas of how to implement this feature (just know it is a different software package).

-Tim